Broncos legend Allan Langer sets record straight on new role at Brisbane following Kevin Walters’ departure

With speculation rife Allan Langer had been axed by new coach Michael Maguire as part of a Red Hill overhaul, the Broncos legend has broken his silence to set the record straight.

Allan Langer has spoken out on his new role at Brisbane, revealing Michael Maguire had no involvement in the move as the club icon outlined his plan to be a Bronco for life.

New coach Maguire will kick off Brisbane’s 2025 pre-season on Monday and Langer will not be part of the club’s coaching or training staff for the first time in more than a decade.

Rated the greatest Bronco ever by Wayne Bennett, the legendary halfback is the heartbeat of the glamour club and has been an on-field fixture running water and passing on messages to Brisbane players.

But in the wake of his good mate Kevin Walters’ departure, Langer will not be part of Maguire’s football unit, moving into an ambassadorial role where he will operate in a corporate capacity.

Speculation was rife Langer had been axed by Maguire as part of a Red Hill overhaul, but ‘Alfie’ has broken his silence to set the record straight, saying the career shift was rubber-stamped during a meeting with Broncos boss Dave Donaghy.

“After a long year, I just felt like I needed a change,” said Langer, who was shortlisted in August for NRL Immortals selection.

Speculation was rife that Langer had been axed following the dismissal of Kevin Walters. Picture: David Clark

“I went to see Dave (Donaghy) and I explained that at this stage of my life and with the changes at the club, it was just the right time.”

Now 58, Langer played 258 games for the Broncos, steering the club to four premierships, including the watershed title in 1992 that ignited a city and transformed Brisbane into a league powerhouse.

Two years ago, expansion rivals the Dolphins quietly sounded out Langer on a daring defection, but Alfie stayed loyal and says he will always bleed maroon and gold.

“I’ve been with the Broncos since the start,” he said.

“I want to be there until the end.”

For all his larrikinism and happy-go-lucky demeanour, Langer’s influence on the Broncos football department has been immense.

Langer has been a loyal server to the Broncos through the years. Picture NRL

The Queensland Origin icon has been a trusted sounding board for Brisbane coaches, including Bennett and Walters, and has quietly nurtured two generations of Broncos footballers.

When halfback Adam Reynolds quit South Sydney to sign a $2.4 million deal with the Broncos in 2022, he said a major factor in choosing Brisbane was to “work alongside a legend like Alfie”.

Donaghy is determined to never lose the spirit of Alf, saying Langer will be at the coalface of Brisbane’s corporate regime as the Broncos look to snap a 19-year premiership drought next season.

Allan Langer played 258 games for the Broncos. Picture: NRL Photos

“When Alf came to see me, I was only too happy to make this happen,” Donaghy said.

“Alf is such a special person. Everyone knows him and everyone loves him, but better yet, he loves the Broncos just as much.

“He’s always said to me that he will do anything for the club and he is genuinely excited about swapping the blue shirt for the buttoned up one.

“Alf has a job at the Broncos for as long as he wants.

“I’ve never met someone who doesn’t enjoy a chat with Alf and vice-versa. He has endless stories and he’s going a play a massive role for us in connecting with our fans right across the state and beyond.

“It’s been great to talk through the opportunities with Alf.”

Aside from attending Suncorp Stadium home games, Ipswich product Langer will spruik the Broncos brand across regional Queensland.

One of his first duties will be returning to Las Vegas in March for the opening round of the 2025 NRL season with Broncos partner Corporate Business Travel as part of a ‘Viva Alf Vegas’ supporter experience tour.

Langer is optimistic about his new role at Red Hill. Picture: Steve Pohlner

While Langer will miss being hands-on with Broncos players, he is determined to leave a lasting legacy with the club’s army of fans.

“It’s a new and exciting role,” he said.

“I’ve come to know a lot of the Broncos partners, corporates and members well over the last 30-plus years and catching up with them is something I’ve always really enjoyed.

“It will also give me more time to spend with Janine and the family and my grandkids in particular, which is important to me.

“I can’t wait to hit the road and take the Broncos to regional Queensland in a new way.

“I also can’t wait to get back to Vegas again and see our great game of rugby league, it will give the Americans something to talk about.

“It’s the perfect role for me.”